ecobee3 Smarter
Score: 84/100
Emerson Sensi Pro
Score: 83/100Rankings
The ecobee3 Smarter thermostat provides a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and a suite of built-in sensors for precise climate control, along with broad 24 V HVAC compatibility and optional Power Extender Kit. It requires a C-wire or additional kit and uses older 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which may limit some setups. Best suited for users wanting multi-zone sensing and Apple ecosystem integration.
The Emerson Sensi Pro is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled thermostat with a touchscreen LCD, offering broad HVAC compatibility and robust smart-home integration. Its main drawbacks are the need for a C-wire for certain features and lack of battery backup, limiting installation flexibility. Ideal for homeowners seeking extensive features and a long warranty.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 years | 5 yearsbest | |
3.5 inchbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.612 kg | 0.336 kgbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | ~95% of 24V systems (conventional 2H/2C, heat pump 4H/2C, gas/oil/electric/dual fuel, humidifier/dehumidifier/ventilator/HRV/ERV) | Single/multi-stage gas, oil, electric, heat pump (up to 4H/2C), dual fuel, boiler, cool‑only, AC with AUX heat |
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 5 years |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz) |
Bluetooth Version | BLE 5.4 | Bluetooth Low Energy |
Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings |
Power & Installation(1) | ||
Power Source | 24 VAC | Battery, Hardwire/Common, Power Sharing |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | Glass LCD touchscreen (backlit) |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.612 kg | 0.336 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 23.6×100.3×100.3 mm mm | 25.4×149.35×95.25 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ecobee3 for its comprehensive sensor suite that enables smart recovery and precise humidity management, as well as its extensive HVAC compatibility that covers most 24V systems. They note its value for multi-zone comfort without a hub, while pointing out the need for a C-wire or Power Extender Kit and the lack of newer Wi-Fi standards compared to later models.
Everyday users praise the thermostat for its straightforward installation and reliable Wi-Fi control, especially appreciating the seamless Siri and HomeKit integration. The most common feedback revolves around occasional wiring difficulties in homes without a C-wire, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
Professional reviewers and editors commend the Sensi Touch 2 for its straightforward, app-driven installation, robust smart-home ecosystem compatibility, and contractor-focused features such as batch registration and keypad lockout. Its energy-saving functions and 5-year warranty further bolster its reputation, earning it an Editors' Choice accolade. The primary criticisms revolve around the need for a C-wire for HomeKit and the absence of battery backup.
Consumers generally praise the thermostat's remote access, intuitive scheduling, and useful humidity and temperature alerts. Recurring complaints focus on the requirement for a C-wire in some setups and the limitation to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, as well as the lack of battery backup during power outages.
“ease of install and Wi-Fi control”
“seamless Siri/HomeKit remote access”
